In 2024, approximately 340,000 Turkish citizens and Europeans of Turkish descent visited the northern Aegean islands, according to the General Police Directorate of the North Aegean. Of these, 71,648 utilized the seven-day ‘express visa’ introduced in April 2024 following an agreement between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to amna.com.
“This agreement gave wings to relations on both sides of the Aegean and allowed the development of this major wave of Turkish tourists,” said Aris Lazaris, General Secretary of the Union of Tourist and Travel Agencies of Lesvos, in an interview with ANA-MPA.
The ‘express visa’ not only facilitated travel for Turkish visitors but also encouraged mixed groups, where European citizens of Turkish descent traveled with Turkish relatives. Over 30,000 European Turks visited Greek islands in this way while on holiday in Turkiye.
The visa program has significantly boosted local economies, particularly on Lesvos, Chios, and Samos. With the ‘express visa’ set to expire on March 31, local stakeholders are advocating for its renewal, anticipating even greater tourist numbers in 2025.
Bookings for Muslim religious holidays in March already indicate a surge, and Turkish visitors continue to visit the islands even in the low season, with weekends in January seeing strong numbers.
Source: amna
